ROB Howard is pleased to have seen his career go full circle at Southend United.

The talented teenager was with the Shrimpers for three years as a youngster before joining Arsenal at the age of 14.

But, after four years away, Howard is happy to have returned to Roots Hall.

“I’m really happy to be with Southend again,” said Howard.

“I was here as a youngster before I got sold and not much has changed since I’ve been away so it was quite easy to settle in again.

“There are still a lot of familiar faces here and as I’m local and known the club it’s one I’ve always looked out for so I’m pleased to have returned because there’s always been something there with Southend and me.”

Howard, who is from Billericay, spent two years with Arsenal before spending the next two years with Colchester United.

But, after finding out he would not be offered a professional deal with the U’s, Howard quickly contacted the Shrimpers’ academy manager Ricky Duncan.

“I knew Ricky from before and he’d always said to get back in touch if things didn’t work out, so that’s exactly what I did,” said Howard.

“It must have been January time when it happened and I came in to train and play in a few matches.

“Thankfully they still liked what they saw and offered me a contract I was happy to sign.”

Howard put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Shrimpers and is now keen to keep on making a good impression in a new role.

“I had been playing as a central midfielder but since coming back to Southend I’ve been playing right-back which I’ve enjoyed,” said Howard.

“When I was at Southend last time I played in quite a few different positions but I think that’s a good thing because it increases the chances of being called upon.

“I feel comfortable in midfield and in defence and hopefully that will help me in the future because just like everyone else I want to keep pushing on.”

Howard, who turns 19 in September, will be part of the Shrimpers’ under-23 squad this season.

But he has set his sights far higher.

“I want to get in and around the first team,” said Howard.

“That’s the long term aim for me and it would be great to see my name printed on the back of a Southend United shirt. It will take a lot of hard work to make that happen but that’s my main ambition here.”